Overview
Sweden's Schengen visa process is run by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), which publishes the application form and checklist online. You complete the form yourself, then submit your documents and give biometrics at a Swedish embassy/consulate or a designated Visa Application Centre (commonly VFS Global) for your location. In several countries, Sweden's applications are handled through a shared Nordic arrangement — sometimes via a Danish, Finnish or Norwegian mission acting on Sweden's behalf, or vice versa, so check which mission actually covers your location before assuming it's the Swedish one.
Visa categories
| Schengen Type C | Tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| National (long-stay) visa/permit | Work, study or family reunification exceeding 90 days — a separate process handled directly by Migrationsverket. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your Schengen departure, with 2 blank pages
- Completed and signed Schengen application form
- Biometric photo, 35×45mm, white background
- Travel/health insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000
- Round-trip flight reservation and proof of accommodation
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Evidence of ties to your home country
Step-by-step application process
1. Confirm Sweden is your main destination, and which mission covers you
Check migrationsverket.se for the mission or VAC assigned to your place of residence — this may be a Swedish mission or a partner Nordic country's mission.
2. Complete the application form
Fill it in per Migrationsverket's instructions and sign it.
3. Gather your documents
Assemble everything from the checklist above.
4. Attend your appointment
Submit documents and biometrics at the assigned mission or VAC.
5. Pay the fee
Pay the standard Schengen fee (around €90) at your appointment.
6. Track your decision
Standard processing is around 15 calendar days.
Fees & processing time
| Fee | Standard Schengen fee, around €90 — confirm current amount with your assigned mission |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Around 15 calendar days for complete applications |
Sources reviewed: migrationsverket.se (Swedish Migration Agency), VFS Global one-pager guidance for Nordic representation arrangements. Which mission handles your application varies by country of residence — always confirm on migrationsverket.se before booking an appointment.